Islamabad -
Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the government to implement Urdu as the country's official language, replacing English in all communications 68 years after gaining independence from Great Britain.

French students taking a baccalaureate English exam have petitioned online after they were stumped by a question that centred around the word "coping" which many did not know. It follows the Edexcel Maths fiasco in the UK earlier this month.

English pop star Conor Maynard chatted about his single "R U Crazy," his new book "Take Off" and he discussed his influences and dream duet choices; moreover, he gave advice to hopefuls who wish to go into music.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) adds new terms four times a year, and this week roughly 900 words made their first appearance including "bathroom-break," "bestie", and four adjectives that refer to the highly offensive c-word.

Montreal -
A patient entered Verdun General Hospital in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in an ambulance because of chest pains, but says she was kicked out when requesting that hospital staff speak to her in English, rather than French.

Come Saturday, members of a southern Louisiana community of 97,000 known as Lafourche Parish will vote on a controversial ballot proposal aiming to reallocate $800,000 a year from the local library budget to the funding of a new $25 million jail.

Paris -
For those in France wishing to improve their English, a new service started up this week. France's rail operator, SNCF, is offering English lessons, literally on the rails, to profitably pass commuters' travel time.

British funk-rock band The Heavy have been churning out their unique brand of neo-soul rock since 2007. On their third album, they embrace a varied palette of sounds, nodding at the past while embracing the future.

Mijas -
A British couple and their daughter have been found dead in a rented apartment in Mijas, southern Spain. The family was found to have been shot dead and police confirm it is a murder-suicide. (Updated)

Russell Brand is an English comedian, author and movie star, known for being rather outspoken, especially when interviewed on TV. He completely floored the MSNBC anchors when interviewed about his upcoming world comedy tour.

London -
More than a chat and call service, Skype is now being used to teach English at various levels and across any geographic/political boundaries. And it costs a lot less than a traditional English teaching class.

Kabul -
Since the formation of the Taliban, its members detested modern technology and prohibited its fighters from accessing the Internet. But since using the Internet, including Twitter, to speak to the world, they are now doing it in English.

Saint Paul -
A group of Minnesota Republican State Senators and Representatives have introduced similar legislative bills in the House and the Senate that would make English the official state language. The bills have been called racist and an attack on immigration.

Haifa -
The brain’s right hemisphere is not involved in the initial processes of reading in Arabic, due to the graphic complexity of Arabic script. Therefore reading acquisition in Arabic is much harder in comparison to English, researchers have concluded.

Montgomery -
"This is Alabama; we speak English," says gubernatorial candidate Tim James. "If you want to live here, learn it." Requiring Alabama driver’s license tests in English only is a matter of public safety for the people of this state.

In a crucial day for the destination of the Barclays English Premiership trophy, Manchester United FC, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, make up vital ground in their bid to become title holders for a record number of times.

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English Image

A period illustration of the Battle of Crécy. Anglo-Welsh longbowmen figure prominently in the foreground on the right, where they are driving away Italian mercenary crossbowmen. (Created in 15th century)

Jean Froissart's Chronicles

The English Language and Literature Teaching Block at the Thomas Alleyne Academy, Stevenage.

The Heavy's embrace of sonic variety may help explain the wide generational appeal of its fanbase. Page (far right) says he’s been “struck by how diverse the age range is” at various shows. “There are kids as well as people in their 60s! It’s such a variety. Initially you’re thinking, “Why isn’t it full of young girls?!” -but we’re attracting more people. It’s a broader appeal, so hopefully that means a greater lifespan (for the band) as well.”